New Blog URL

ATTENTION:

This blog has a new URL! Visit the new and improved blog at thatrockshowconcerts.blogspot.com.

That Rock Show Podcast

Just started a rock and roll podcast, That Rock Show. You can find it on Soundcloud and make sure to give a like on Facebook. You can also take a listen on the right sidebar.

Read the description below about my new show:
"For those about to rock, we salute you." That Rock Show is a podcast blasting rock and roll through your speakers. We play deep cuts from your favorite bands that you won't hear anywhere else. Playing all rock genres from every decade, we include live songs, covers, and new music from up and coming bands. In addition to music, we talk about rock news, new music, and rock history. Stationed just outside Philadelphia, we also keep you up to date on upcoming concerts in the area. We are here to broaden your rock horizons and keep rock and roll alive!

Chuck Berry 1926-2017

"If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it 'Chuck Berry.'"
- John Lennon -

Rock and Roll legend Chuck Berry died yesterday in his home in Missouri. His story telling lyrics, catchy blues riffs, and distinctive guitar solos led the way for future generations of rock. The beat of his songs sound like a chugging train moving down the tracks and when the solo comes along, the train might as well be heading off the tracks. When listening to Berry, similarities can be heard between songs. The opening riffs to "Johnny B. Goode" and "Roll Over Beethoven" are alike with the latter being a little higher in tune. In addition, the opening guitar to "Little Queenie" and the Christmas tune "Run Rudolph Run" are identical. This is not taking anything away from the genius of Berry. In fact, hearing these similarities is pleasing to the ear and give the listener comfort in hearing a recognizable repeated riff. If it works, why change your sound? (Just ask AC/DC). As a pioneer of rock, his sound has influenced the best of the best. Doesn't matter the decade or the type of rock, bands from The Animals to The Rolling Stones have covered Berry. View the list of covers on Berry's website here. It wasn't just his music but his showmanship as well. His 'duck walk' is still one of the most iconic moves in rock (later taken by AC/DC's Angus Young). Not to mention him pointing the head of his guitar into the crowd (reminiscent of Steve Harris from Iron Maiden) and doing the split with the guitar between his legs.

Berry celebrated his 90th birthday back in October by announcing his new album Chuck, his first album in 38 years, which is set to come out in 2017.

Read social media messages from the rock community honoring Berry.

Read Berry's reviews of other rock acts from a 1980 interview.

Sex Pistols: The Final Show

After releasing one album and touring as a band for only two and a half years (minus the lengthy list of cancelled shows), the Sex Pistols capped off their seven date US tour and career at the Winterland Ballroom in San Fransisco, CA on January 14, 1978.

After playing their set and coming out for the encore, lead singer Johnny Rotten told the crowd, "You'll get one number and one number only 'cause I'm a lazy bastard." That one number was a cover of The Stooges' "No Fun." Near the end of the song Rotten was on his knees and spoke into the mic, "There's no fun in being alone. This is no fun. It is no fun at all." After the final cymbal crashed, Rotten laughed and addressed the crowd with one final thought, "Ever get the feeling you've been cheated? Goodnight." He and the band left the stage with that and nothing else.

All of the Sex Pistols concerts were influential and their final performance was no exception. Among the crowd of over 5,000 people, more than the previous six shows of the US tour combined, was Eric Boucher who would go on to form The Dead Kennedys and adopt the stage name Jello Biafra and Keith Morris and Greg Ginn who would change their band name from Panic to Black Flag.

Although the Sex Pistols would get back together for a reunion tour in 1996, it was without bassist Sid Vicious who died of a heroin overdose on the same day of this post 38 years ago.

Read the Rolling Stone article of the show here.

Map of Alternative Rock History

Check out this incredible web of alt rock history. Centered around some of the biggest influences in rock with the Ramones, Sex Pistols, Joy Division, and The Smiths, it connects the bands who have influenced one another and maps out their musical similarities. Click here to get a closer look!

Best of 2016 Playlist

Below is my Best of 2016 playlist I put together of my top 25 songs from this past year! Enjoy!

Springsteen Live at the Tower Theater 41 Years Ago

December 30, 2016 marked the 41st anniversary of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band playing night 3 of 4 at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby, PA. Bruce and Company put on a clinic in front of one of his biggest followings just outside Philadelphia. You can hear the rasp and power in the voice of young Springsteen. Only 4 months after the release of Born to Run, 7 of the 8 tracks were played. The songs were unique with a slow intro to "10th Avenue Freeze Out," short stories before "Its My Life" and "Its Gonna Work Out Fine," a harmonica solo at the beginning of "She's the One," and a chilling versions of "Thunder Road" and "For You." These early shows established the foundation of what would become the blueprint for Springsteen shows throughout his career. After upgrading from The Main Point, a small coffee house in Bryn Mawr, PA, to the 3,000 seat Tower Theater in 1974, Springsteen would graduate again to arena rock at The Spectrum in South Philadelphia a year later in 1976. Of course, Bruce and the E Street Band are still playing marathon shows at the top of their game all these years later and not slowing down.

Read the full story from WXPN's The Key here.

Listen to the show below:

Welcome to My Rock Concert Blog!

This blog was established to keep track of, remember, and share my experiences of the concerts that I have attended. I am 20 and live outside the Philadelphia area and have always been a fan of all types of rock music. My first concert was Cheap Trick at the age of 7. Since then my love for live rock music as grown and I have become an avid concert goer. Some of my favorite bands include, but not limited to, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, and Husker Du. I hope you enjoy exploring the blog and reading about the various concerts. I also hope that it will open you to different rock bands and encourage you to attend more concerts for yourself. Make sure to click on the links!